Annual Greene Co. Habitat Golf Marathon a success

Dedicated volunteers support their organizations in three ways. They offer their time, talents, and financial resources. These words spoken by Jerry DeVore, Chairman of the Resource Committee of the Greene County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, set the tone of the day for this year’s Golf Marathon. On October 25th, a rainy Monday morning at Harbor Club, President Theresa Kemp announced that Mr. DeVore’s organizing committee, headed by John Kausch, supported by eighteen golf teams and hundreds of donors, established a new fundraising record for the annual event. The proceeds of which will provide enough money to purchase the materials needed to build one house and most of the materials for another. This past spring Habitat volunteers were only able to build one house due to limited funds. With the success of this year’s fund-raising efforts the organization should be able to build two houses next spring.  Truly a remarkable accomplishment, one worthy of high praise for all who took part in organizing the outing, those participating, and those who donated. It was an outstanding show of support by local residents and friends near and far.

Grand prize for the most money raised was four days and three nights, with golf, at Atlantis in the Bahamas. The “Movable Obstructions” team captained by Rick von Haam won this award. Other members were Ray Alvey, Ham Cornett, and Al Cristofaro.

Second place awards went to the “Bootscooters” team captained by Debbie Balicki. Other team members were Donna Young, Becky Smith, and Jill Suchik.  Third place awards went to the team captained by Paul O’Neil. Other team members were Rick Buechler, John Russell, and Dean Russell.  The President’s Award for collecting from the most individual donors went to Diane Gburek from the “Harbor Club” team.

Mr. Paul O’Neil, former CEO of Kerzner International was extended special thanks for providing the grand prize for the team raising the most money. Mr. O’Neil has been an ongoing supporter of Habitat for Humanity and other fund-raising events in the lake Oconee area for the past several years.  Special Thanks were also extended to Jerry and Kelli Fowler of Fidelity Mortgage for sponsoring the marathon and providing a player swag bag, snacks and beverages for each participant.  Thanks also went out to the many other organizations and businesses that participated in the event; Atlantic Philanthropies, BankSouth, Rick Buechler Homes, Complete Roofing, Gary Young Construction, Harbor Club, JD Dell Law, Jimmy Britt Automotive, Nyloboard, Reynolds Plantation, and the Rotary Club of Greene & Putnam Counties.

Although it was a celebratory day, and teams were on site and ready to go, the playing of the event was precluded by ongoing torrential rains. However, each team will fulfill their commitment to complete the 100 holes by scheduling tee times at Harbor Club between now and the end of the year.

Greene County Habitat for Humanity is a nondenominational Christian Ministry working in partnership with the community and future homeowners to provide decent, affordable, and safe housing for those in need.  For additional information about Habitat contact Elaine Mathews at 706-453-1718 or volunteer@gchabitat.com.